I am going to have to say nerves... the man in the front ranks collapses because of what he is about to witness.
In my opinion, it would make a slight difference... the use of alliteration DD throughout the text allows it to flow smoothly.
The Question and Answer section for Rudyard Kipling: Poems is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
I am going to have to say nerves... the man in the front ranks collapses because of what he is about to witness.
In my opinion, it would make a slight difference... the use of alliteration DD throughout the text allows it to flow smoothly.
We don't know who the speaker is but we can assume he is white, male, and European. He obviously has racist ideas that reflect the era.
I'm not sure what you mean by "modern poetry". The poem is complicated by the reality of imperialism and the overtones of racism, but the soldier's tribute to the man who saved his life is touching nonetheless.